Mario Castillo Electric Powers Up New Solar Battery Services
Apr 05, 2024 | Solar Energy
Solar batteries are the heart of every solar energy system, storing the excess energy produced during the day for use at night or during power outages. They play a key role in reducing your energy costs and increasing your energy independence. And let’s not forget that solar batteries can qualify for the federal solar tax credit if they meet certain criteria. A solar battery can typically last between five and 15 years and can power your house during an outage using the electricity stored from your solar panels. Mario Castillo Electric is now offering solar battery services. Let our team of experts help you determine the best solution and start powering up the savings you deserve today!
Sorting Through the Sea of Solar Batteries
There are various types of solar batteries available in the market and well-known manufacturers include: Enphase, Tesla, Sonnen EcoLinx, LG, Generac Pwrcell, Franklin Home, Panasonic, Canadian Solar, SunPower and SolarEdge - just to name a few. Each of these brands have solar batteries with unique features and capabilities. With so many batteries available what should you consider when selecting a solar battery? Some things to keep in mind include:
- the type of coupling (AC vs. DC)
- compatibility with your solar panels
- battery capacity (determine how much energy you can store)
- modularity (allows for expansion)
- round-trip efficiency (the energy retained after storage and retrieval)
- depth of discharge (the percentage of battery that has been discharged compared to the total capacity)
- power output (energy delivery rate)
- warranty
The lifespan of a solar battery is another crucial factor. In addition you can also choose from different types of solar batteries such as lithium-ion, lead-acid, flow, and nickel-cadmium batteries. The cost can range anywhere from $12,000 to $22,000, depending on the size and capacity. Typically, solar batteries last between five to 15 years.
How to Choose the Solar Battery that is Right for You
When deciding on a solar battery, along with considering the factors of AC vs DC coupling, the battery's compatibility with your solar panels, battery capacity, modularity, round-trip efficiency, depth of discharge, power output, and the warranty period - it is important to have a licensed solar expert assist you with your selection. This is where Mario Castillo Electric comes in! We have vetted the batteries to offer the best fit for your home and lifestyle.
Solar Battery Product Comparisons
Remember, the best solar battery for your home depends on your individual energy needs and the compatibility with your existing solar panel system. We took a look at Enphase IQ 5P, Tesla Powerwall+, Franklin Home Power, Canadian Solar’s EP Cube Energy Storage System and SolarEdge Energy Bank batteries. Each offers their unique benefits and features. To provide a comprehensive comparison we looked at high-level details regarding their specifications, safety features and performance ratings. When it comes to solar batteries, each model offers its unique features tailored to different needs. The summaries we came up with are highlighted as follows:
Enphase IQ Battery 5P
Enphase is a leader in the solar market. The Enphase IQ Battery 5P is renowned for its power capacity, enabling you to run power-hungry appliances like HVACs, pool pumps, and more, even during a grid outage, with fewer batteries. Safety is a paramount feature, operating with low-voltage DC power, thereby avoiding the dangers that high-voltage DC power might pose. It's the first micro inverter-based storage system to meet the performance criteria of the UL 9540A—a unit-level test for thermal runaway fire propagation protection in residential indoor wall-mounted systems. With over-the-air software updates, the batteries promise to only get better over time.
The battery offers a 15 year warranty with 6,000 cycles which equals about 15 to 16 years. The retention is 60% battery retention.
The Enphase IQ Battery 5P provides a modular design for easy setup and expansion. This means you can keep adding batteries as you need them over time. You can add your initial system and add on as you need it! This battery uses efficient lithium iron phosphate chemistry and is recognized for its modularity. You can also add more batteries to the system as your energy needs increase, providing flexible storage options. This model is perfect if you plan on increasing your solar power system in the future.
Tesla Powerwall+
The Tesla Powerwall+ offers a robust energy capacity of 13.5 kWh, with continuous on-grid power and backup power both standing at 11.5 kW. It's also scalable up to 4 units and offers an impressive solar-to-grid efficiency of 97.5%. Its size is 43.25 in x 24 in x 7.6 in and weighs 287 lbs. It comes with an integrated inverter and system controller and operates in a temperature range of -4°F to 122°F. It also boasts of flood and dust resistance and comes with a 10-year warranty.
The Tesla Powerwall+ is also known for its sleek design and advanced energy storage capabilities. With its seamless integration to Tesla's app, you can monitor your energy usage and control your Powerwall+ remotely. As part of the Tesla ecosystem, this battery benefits from seamless integration with Tesla's other solar products. It also has a significant energy capacity and supports both self-consumption and back-up power.
Franklin Home Power
The Franklin Home Power is dedicated to homeowners who want to achieve energy freedom. Their focus is clear: providing a solution that enables homeowners to harness and control their power needs effectively. Franklin's solution is characterized by its advanced battery technology and inverters, making it a suitable option for those looking for a high energy yield.
The standouts for this battery are its 12-year warranty and the fact that you can install up to 15 batteries on one system. It's a good battery if you're looking for a well-rounded battery for adding large capacity expansions. Franklin Home Power is more expensive than similar batteries on the market, and it's a fairly new system, so availability and reliable customer reviews are harder to come by.
Canadian Solar's EP Cube Energy Storage System
With Canadian Solar's EP Cube Energy Storage System, homeowners can enjoy an affordable grid-tied energy storage solution. The EP Cube Lite is an all-encompassing, user-friendly system that has been optimized for Time-of-Use 4X Value, offering outstanding economic value to its users.
One main feature of the EP Cube Energy Storage System is its All-in-One Design. This integrated solution eliminates the need to install multiple devices and systems. It simplifies setup and maintenance, making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking for a hassle-free and efficient energy storage solution.
The warranty is a 10 year warranty with 6,000 cycles at 80% battery retention.
Safety is paramount for Canadian Solar, and the EP Cube Energy Storage System doesn't skimp on safety features. It has a robust warranty to protect homeowners from potential issues, further emphasizing Canadian Solar's commitment to user-focused design and service support.
The EP Cube Lite's performance ratings are yet another testament to its quality. Despite its compact size and price point, the system delivers a high-performance storage solution for homeowners.
SolarEdge Energy Bank
The SolarEdge Energy Bank offers robust energy storage solutions designed for high efficiency. It uses solar hybrid inverter technology that has panels that work independently. SolarEdge is known for its quality solar products and solutions and SolarEdge's battery is well-known for its DC optimized technology (DC to DC rather than conversions of DC to AC and back). This efficiency allows for better overall performance in the system.
SolarEdge has a 10-year warranty at the standard 70% battery retention.
The SolarEdge Energy Bank battery maximizes self-consumption through high energy throughput and prolonged battery life, making it ideal for those aiming for energy independence. By harvesting more energy from solar panels and storing it in the battery, SolarEdge allows you to power more appliances, EVs, and provide critical backup during power outages. It also integrates seamlessly with the SolarEdge Home smart energy ecosystem.
Solar Battery System Selection Complete! Now . . . How Many Batteries Do I Need?
Besides the solar battery solution, the overall battery total is dependent on your energy consumption, the size and output of your solar panel system, and the capacity of the batteries you choose. A detailed energy audit or consultation with Mario Castillo Electric experts is recommended to determine the exact number for your house and lifestyle! With the right solar battery and system setup, you can further maximize your energy savings and reduce your carbon footprint.
Some general tips for determining battery numbers involve the solar battery type needed for the power you are supporting. Batteries come in various sizes to cater to different power load requirements. For instance, basic needs like powering LED lights, a refrigerator, charging phones, fans and the internet have a different capacity than powering more appliances like TV, a microwave, and a garage door with continuous power. Even larger electrical loads like AC with soft start, well pump with soft start, water heater, and cooktop will involve greater battery power.
Remember, larger batteries can power more electrical loads and will last longer. Also, motor driven appliances like HVAC and pumps should be evaluated to ensure their running and starting current are within the capabilities of the battery.
Mario Castillo Electric is Moving Into Solar Battery Business
Whether it's Enphase IQ Battery 5P, Tesla Powerwall+, Franklin Home Power, SolarEdge Energy Bank, Canadian Solar or any other solar battery option in the market, make sure to consider all factors and consult with experts at Mario Castillo Electric to find the best fit for your home and energy needs. With the right solar battery, you can take control of your energy usage and achieve true energy freedom. Keep exploring and stay informed about the latest developments in solar technology for a brighter, cleaner future. Solar on with Mario Castillo Electric!
